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USC’s Eric Gentry Named Chuck Bednarik Player of the Week
September 16, 2025 | Football
LOS ANGELES--USC linebacker Eric Gentry was named Chuck Bednarik Player of the Week for his performance in USC's 33-17 victory over Purdue on the road on Saturday (Sept. 13).
Gentry, one of the nation's most dominant and unique linebackers, decorated his stat sheet with 8 tackles (all solo), including 3 for loss of 19 yards (with 2 sacks for minus 11 yards). He also tallied 2 forced fumbles. He recorded three single-game career bests: 3 TFLs, 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.
Gentry consistently disrupted Purdue's offensive rhythm, and his ability to read plays and close gaps was instrumental in limiting the Boilermakers' ground game, forcing them into uncomfortable passing situations. His leadership on the field was excellent, energizing the defensive unit and helping USC maintain composure during key drives. This game marked a significant step in Gentry's return to form, reinforcing his role as a defensive cornerstone for the Trojans this season.
On ESPN's College Football Final, he earned a "helmet sticker" from the hosts for being one of the top performers in the country in Week 3. He also received a game ball from USC head coach Lincoln Riley after the game.
The Bednarik Award has been given to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1995. It is named in honor of Chuck Bednarik, an NFL Hall of Fame linebacker and center who played his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Known as one of the last "60-minute men" for playing both offense and defense, Bednarik exemplified toughness, excellence, and leadership on the field—values that the award bearing his name seeks to recognize in today's top defensive players.
Semifinalists for the Bednarik Award will be announced on Nov. 11,, while the three finalists for the Bednarik Award will be unveiled on November 25. The winner of the 31st Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 11.
The formal presentations of the Bednarik Award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Atlanta.
Gentry, one of the nation's most dominant and unique linebackers, decorated his stat sheet with 8 tackles (all solo), including 3 for loss of 19 yards (with 2 sacks for minus 11 yards). He also tallied 2 forced fumbles. He recorded three single-game career bests: 3 TFLs, 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.
Gentry consistently disrupted Purdue's offensive rhythm, and his ability to read plays and close gaps was instrumental in limiting the Boilermakers' ground game, forcing them into uncomfortable passing situations. His leadership on the field was excellent, energizing the defensive unit and helping USC maintain composure during key drives. This game marked a significant step in Gentry's return to form, reinforcing his role as a defensive cornerstone for the Trojans this season.
On ESPN's College Football Final, he earned a "helmet sticker" from the hosts for being one of the top performers in the country in Week 3. He also received a game ball from USC head coach Lincoln Riley after the game.
The Bednarik Award has been given to the College Defensive Player of the Year since 1995. It is named in honor of Chuck Bednarik, an NFL Hall of Fame linebacker and center who played his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Known as one of the last "60-minute men" for playing both offense and defense, Bednarik exemplified toughness, excellence, and leadership on the field—values that the award bearing his name seeks to recognize in today's top defensive players.
Semifinalists for the Bednarik Award will be announced on Nov. 11,, while the three finalists for the Bednarik Award will be unveiled on November 25. The winner of the 31st Bednarik Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 11.
The formal presentations of the Bednarik Award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Atlanta.
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